As an online course creator, understanding your audience is essential. Knowing your students impacts everything from marketing to results and even teaching method.

And one way to get a better understanding of your audience is by learning more about the generations they belong to.

Over the past century, sociologists have identified different generations each with its own unique characteristics and qualities. In this blog post, let’s take a brief look at each of these generations to see how they are different.

Why should you care?

It is important for online course creators to understand the generations of their audience because each generation has unique characteristics, values, and experiences that can impact how they learn and interact with educational content. Knowing these differences can help you tailor content, teaching style, and approach to better meet the needs and preferences of your audience.

Generation Alpha (2013 – Present)

• Growing up with smart technology like voice activated devices which respond quickly

• Highly driven; more likely than previous generations to focus on success

• Values include innovation, creativity and respect for diversity.

Gen Z (1997-2012)

• Also known as Digital Natives since they grew up surrounded by technology

• Highly diverse; more likely than previous generations to accept different religions, orientations and races

• Value creativity and collaboration more than previous generations

Millennials (1981-1996)

• Grew up with modern technologies like cellular phones, computers and the internet

• Value experiences over material goods

• Have an entrepreneurial spirit and prefer flexibility to traditional nine-to-five jobs

Generation X (1965-1980)

• Witnessed advancements in technology such as computers becoming more accessible

• Known as “latchkey kids” because many were raised by working parents who left them alone after school

• Values include individualism and independence

Boomers (1946-1964)

• Also known as Baby Boomers, this generation witnessed rapid economic growth and technological advances

• They had jobs for life, but retirement security is now uncertain due to pensions being replaced with 401Ks

• Values include patriotism, hard work and independent thinking

Whether you are targeting Generation Alpha, Gen Z, Millennials, Generation X, or Boomers, it is important to consider the generational differences of your audience in order to create an engaging and effective learning environment, as well as messaging that hits the spot.

This is just an overview to introduce you to the concept of looking at your audience through the lenses of different generations, their values, upbringing and so much more. Over the next few weeks, I’ll guide you deeper into generations’ research to help you understand how it applies to you. Remember to subscribe below to get notified when a new article gets published.